Harpist Claire Jones prepares for release of new album and her wedding

Harpist Claire Jones is preparing for the busiest week of her life – she’s releasing an album and getting married.

Harpist Claire Jones is preparing for the busiest week of her life – she’s releasing an album and getting married. She takes time out of her last-minute plans to chat to Karen Price

WHEN most women get engaged, they are more than happy to receive a diamond ring.

But harpist Claire Jones was presented with something a little more unique after a romantic proposal in Rio de Janeiro.

For her musician boyfriend, Chris Marshall, composed a piece of music especially for her called Heartstrings. It now features on her new album, The Girl With The Golden Harp, which is released by Classic FM on Monday – just five days before the couple marry in West Wales.

“After the proposal we were driving around Rio when Chris told me he had another gift for me,” says the former royal harpist. “He told me he had already composed a piece that he wanted to mark that day (the proposal).

“The first time I heard it was when we returned to the UK as it was programmed into his computer. I loved it – it has a strong love theme in the middle and the bits on the outer edges are just magical.

“And the first time I heard it being played live was during the recording for the album. That was a big day. It’s the best present I’ve ever had. It will last forever.”

The album was recorded at a church in Kilburn, north London, in May with the English Chamber Orchestra.

The tracks include opera favourites like O Mio Babbino Caro and Flower Duet as well as a selection of Welsh favourites like Ar Hyd y Nos.

It’s Jones’ hope that the album takes the harp to a new generation of listeners.

“It’s been my long held dream to release an album that brings the harp to a broader audience,” says the 27-year- old, who grew up in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, and spent four years as official harpist to the Prince of Wales.

“This is an album to relax with at the end of a busy day. The repertoire is very accessible and shows the harp in a different light. We’ve picked famous numbers from the opera world which people would instantly recognise and I obviously wanted some Welsh stuff on there as well.

“With the Puccini number (O Mio Babbino Caro) the harp grows as you move into variations of tone. It really makes the harp sing. I’m playing acrobatics with the harp really.”

As well as working on the album, Jones has been planning her wedding, which takes place on September 8 at Blaenffos Chapel, near Crymych, followed by a reception at the Cliff Hotel in Gwbert.

“It’s been challenging having two major things to plan at the same time but it’s been double the excitement,” she says. “We’re just keeping our fingers crossed for good weather for the wedding now.”

The rings are being made by Clogau Gold and the couple helped design them. The bride’s dress was designed by David Emanuel.

“He has got it down to a T,” she says. “He knows me so well – he knows the elegance I want and the style I’m after.”

With music in their blood, Jones and Marshall, who met at the Royal Academy of Music, have been carefully selecting the entertainment for their big day and it will feature a brass quintet, a 50-piece choir and three bands during the evening. There will also be harpists performing, although the bride admits she won’t be picking up the instrument herself.

“I think I’m going to have a day off that day,” she laughs.

Although they haven’t booked a honeymoon, the new Mr and Mrs Marshall are going to spend a few days in Wales after their nuptials before returning to their home in West Drayton and their hectic work schedules.

Since performing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last year – one of her final duties as the Prince of Wales’ harpist – Jones’ profile has risen, particularly internationally.

“People overseas are just besotted by the fact that you played at such a big event,” she says. “I’ll always be grateful to the Prince of Wales for providing me with such a great platform. Our first wedding gift to arrive was from him and the Duchess of Cornwall and they also sent us a lovely letter wishing us all the best.”

Among her forthcoming international appointments are two concerts in Hong Kong in October and recitals in both America and China next spring.

“International work is what I wanted to aim for and it’s now coming true.”

And with her new album and a wedding just days away, it seems that everything is coming together for the harpist.

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